A Cascade Canyon-bound train passes over David Whitman of Lakewood-based engineering firm Martin/Martin. Whitman was inspecting a small bridge north of Durango as part of the railroad’s preparations to resume trips to Silverton on Saturday.

SHAUN STANLEY/Durango Herald

A Cascade Canyon-bound train passes over David Whitman of Lakewood-based engineering firm Martin/Martin. Whitman was inspecting a small bridge north of Durango as part of the railroad’s preparations to resume trips to Silverton on Saturday.

In the surest sign that winter is behind us, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad on Saturday will kick off its service to Silverton.

In connection with the kickoff, the railroad today will hold Narrow Gauge Day, a free community event from 11 .a.m. to 2 p.m. at the depot.

The event will include a complimentary picnic lunch and a performance by the Bar D Wranglers.

The railroad will have on display some of its premium-class cars, include its newest glass-domed car, dubbed “Knight Sky.”

Also, 300 small trees will be given away as part of the train’s efforts to green its operations.

The first train to Silverton leaves Durango at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and arrives in Silverton at noon.

Larry Beam, roundhouse foreman with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, gives instructions to Chris Brophy as Randy Babcock steadies the Dome Lid of the No. 486 engine during maintenance operations preparing for the return of service to Silverton.

SHAUN STANLEY/Durango Herald

Larry Beam, roundhouse foreman with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, gives instructions to Chris Brophy as Randy Babcock steadies the Dome Lid of the No. 486 engine during maintenance operations preparing for the return of service to Silverton.

From left, Kevin Ludwig, Wes Akers, Bill Colley and Sean Jackson walk along the tracks at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station just before the departure of the 10 a.m. train to Cascade Canyon. The D&SNG resumes service to Silverton on Saturday.

SHAUN STANLEY/Durango Herald

From left, Kevin Ludwig, Wes Akers, Bill Colley and Sean Jackson walk along the tracks at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station just before the departure of the 10 a.m. train to Cascade Canyon. The D&SNG resumes service to Silverton on Saturday.